Denmark hybrids join electric revolution

Denmark's reputation as an environmentally friendly town was confirmed last month with the arrival of two hybrid electric cars as part of its fleet replacement program.

The Shire of Denmark purchased the Mitsubishi Outlanders in July in a bid to lower its carbon footprint.

The cars can be run on unleaded fuel or by charging their electric motors.

Shire of Denmark deputy president John Sampson said the new cars' fuel consumption was less than conventional vehicles' and greenhouse gas emissions were about 40 per cent lower than average.

"Early indications are that the vehicles are exceeding council's expectations," he said.

The new additions to the Shire's fleet take about five hours to power up at a new charging station, which other commuters can use for free.

Denmark's sustainability officer Donna Sampey said the charging point was predominantly powered by the Shire's 32.5kW solar energy system, which also reduced their reliance on the town's power grid.

Ms Sampey said the charging station was designed to encourage residents to consider more sustainable transport options, and boost tourism by attracting visitors with hybrid or electric cars.

"Numbers of these vehicles are increasing," she said.

Ms Sampey said the Shire had expressed its interest and support in Walpole, Denmark, Albany and Mt Barker joining RACWA's new "electric highway", which was launched in June.

The Australia-first highway consists of six fast charging points in Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River and Augusta, with more to be installed in Fremantle, Dunsborough, Nannup, Bridgetown, Donnybrook and Harvey by December.